Get Help With Your TMJ Jaw Pain
Speak, bite and chew without discomfort.
About TMJ Disorder
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) allows the jawbone, or mandible, to move freely and easily. When the movement of this joint is impaired, common actions such as speaking, biting, or chewing can become uncomfortable or even painful.
Fortunately, our dentists offer advanced treatment options that can reduce many of the debilitating symptoms associated with this common condition and help patients improve their livelihood.
TMJ Disorder FAQ
TMJ disorder is an impairment associated with the temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that forms a hinge between the skull and the lower jaw. The temporomandibular joint is largely responsible for the ability to move the jaw when speaking, yawning, biting, and chewing.
TMJ disorder, also known as TMD, occurs when the joint is misaligned, inflamed, or impaired in some way. The condition can lead to numerous debilitating symptoms that affect the head, neck, and other areas of the body.
Choosing a TMJ Dentist
Selecting a dentist with extensive experience and knowledge about TMJ disorder and the proper condition and function of oral structures is an essential first step to finding the right treatment program for your needs.
Thoroughly researching your options beforehand can allow you to familiarize yourself with a particular dentist and gain an idea as to whether they have the skills and experience necessary to not only diagnose TMJ disorder but to provide advanced treatment solutions, as well.
After you have narrowed down your choices, you can schedule a consultation with the prospective dentist and evaluate them in-person. Some good questions to ask at this first consultation include:
- How long have you been in practice?
- In your estimation, how many times have you diagnosed and treated TMJ disorder?
- If diagnosed with TMJ disorder, what are the treatment options available? Are there alternative therapies that might benefit me?
- Is TMJ disorder treatment customized for my needs?
- What can I expect in terms of follow-up care?
Depending on your specific needs and customized treatment plan, procedures designed to address TMJ disorder can sometimes involve several appointments scheduled periodically in the months that follow in order to monitor the overall progress.
With this in mind, it’s important that you feel confident, safe, and comfortable in the dentist’s care from the outset. This makes evaluating your rapport with the prospective dentist a crucial aspect of your initial consultation. You should always feel that the dentist is attentive to your concerns, answers your questions in detail, and provides honest communication about what specific treatments can or can’t achieve.
Our dentists are experienced professionals who custom-tailor treatment for each and every patient. They understand the many negative effects that TMJ disorder can cause on one’s daily life, and are committed to providing advanced treatment solutions in a compassionate environment.
To learn more about TMD, or to discover if your symptoms may be related to TMD, please contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced dentists.